Last week a group of Medway Labour and Co-Operative Councillors visited local charity Gillingham Street Angels, to learn more about their vital work and the increased challenges they face amidst the Covid 19 pandemic.

Councillors Andy Stamp, Adam Price and Pat Cooper, all of whom represent Gillingham North Ward, alongside Medway Labour Leader Cllr Vince Maple visited the Skinner Street site on Wednesday to discuss the experiences of the charity and understand more about the ways by which the council can support their work.

Gillingham Street Angels are a volunteer-run organisation providing vital services to those in need, including a food bank service, wash and dry facility and a soup kitchen. Given the restrictions on shops implemented at the height of the Covid 19 pandemic, the charity’s shop was forced to close meaning that a vital source of funding was halted. Meanwhile, widespread loss of jobs and increased financial hardship meant that more people than ever required assistance.

Cllr Pat Cooper, representative for Gillingham North said that, ‘I want to thank all of the volunteers from Gillingham Street Angels for the remarkable work that they do. They have been at the forefront of supporting the community throughout the pandemic, and it was fantastic to hear more about their operation.

Cllr Adam Price, representative for Gillingham North added, ‘Unfortunately the amount of people in need of these services is increasing, and this is only set to be exacerbated at the end of the Government furlough scheme and eviction ban in coming months.

‘We must ensure that charities like Gillingham Street Angels have the tangible support they need from the council, in order to continue the invaluable work they do in supporting the most vulnerable of our community.’

Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of the Medway Labour Group added, ‘It’s sad that organisations like this have to exist, however the exceptional hard work and generosity of all of the volunteers at Gillingham Street Angels outstanding.

‘Medway Labour Group are committed to doing everything we can to support the Street Angels, who truly provide vital support to our most vulnerable communities.’

You can read more about the Gillingham Street Angel’s work on their website: https://www.thestreet-angels.org/